I don’t understand the need to swap one mediocre player for another - Sami struggling at the best of times just to keep his spot in the Titans…I’d rather grin and bear what we have until some decent outside backs come on the market, plus I’d rather wait until we have some decent coin to go after those top outside backs and I’ll throw in a aggressive hard running forward while I’m at it.

Maika Sivo (Eels) $72,500 plus match payments
What a story this bloke is. From the tiny village of Momi in Fiji to bush footy with the Gundagai Tigers, Sivo’s journey is as inspirational as it gets. Currently tops the NRL’s try-scorer’s list with 12 tries in 14 matches and throw in 16 line breaks to boot. Is on the NRL minimum wage contract of $72,500 plus has to be paid a $3000 match payment for every game played as part of the collective bargaining agreement. If he plays every game for the Eels, will earn a tick under $150,000 for the year. Talk about value for money.

Briton Nikora (Sharks) $90,000
One of the finds of the season and virtually a lay down misere to collect the NRL’s rookie of the year gong. Has just inked an upgraded contract for next season today but as it stands right now started the season on a deal worth $90,000 with a $50,000 bonus built in if he played Test football for New Zealand. You can tick that box which takes his deal this year to $140,000.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders) $105,000
Once the understudy to twinkle toes Roger Tuivasa-Scheck, the Raiders snared an absolute bargain here signing Nicoll-Klokstad for about a tenth of the price. While RTS is on a deal worth $1.1 million, CNK is on $105,000 this year. And Charnze has got him covered in the running metres department, blasting out 2,634m in 2019 to lead every player in the NRL. Throw in 54 tackle busts and you can see why Ricky Stuart has to pick him in the no.1 jumper every week.

Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm) $140,000
Good judges reckon this bloke is on track to be the NRL’s next Kalyn Ponga. Papenhuyzen is going so strongly the Storm are busy trying to figure out ways to get him more involved. Could Jahrome Hughes move into the halves? Aside from scoring four tries in 10 games, he’s also made 22 tackle busts, seven line breaks, three line-break assists and four try-assists.
Ryan Papenhuyzen has gone from third string fullback to starting in Jahrome Hughes’ injury enforced absence.
Source: Getty Images

Bronson Xerri (Sharks) $105,000
Big and powerful, this young bloke is still only 18 years of age. The Sharks are in the process of trying to bump him up to avoid every club in the game trying to sign Xerri should he go to the open market. Has scored seven tries in 11 NRL matches and looks destined for a long career.

Kotoni Staggs (Broncos) $72,500 plus match payments
Special player. The Broncos might not have had a whole lot to crow about this year but this bloke has been one of the shining lights. Also picks up a $3000 match payment per game as part of the NRL’s collective bargaining agreement. Should earn close to $150,000 for the season.

Cade Cust (Sea Eagles) $85,000 plus match payments
Has only played 6 NRL matches but has proven a perfect foil for million-dollar man Daly Cherry-Evans. In those six games Cust has chalked up six try assists, six line break assists and three tries. Also earns a $3000 match payment for every match played for Manly.

Jahrome Hughes (Storm) $170,000
Gun player on well above minimum wage but what value. Plays one of the most important positions, can also feature in the halves and is a current Kiwi international after debuting for Michael Maguire against Tonga mid-season.

Corey Thompson (Tigers) $180,000
Fair play Thompson is on more than double the minimum wage but considering his value to the Wests Tigers since moving to fullback it’s a steal of a deal. Has forced Tigers coach Michael Maguire to move captain Moses Mbye to the centres such is his influence and impact in the no.1 jumper.

Brent Naden (Panthers) $72,500 plus match payments
In a developed print photograph as one of the best finds of the season. This bloke was on a deal worth $25,000 and wasn’t even in the Panthers top 30 squad until new coach Ivan Cleary decided to take an axe to the roster. Also collects a $3000 match payment for every NRL game played and considering he’s scored four tries in four appearances so far, there’s a fair chance he’ll be there for the rest of the season. One of a number of great value for money options the Panthers have turned to turn their season around.

@Tigerlily We have to produce our own and that comes down to the best talent scouting and recruitment. We have improved remarkably in the last two years with a host of talented youngsters joining us. This needs to continue and also improvements to individual coaching of players. More mediocre NRL players is not the solution.

@Tigerlily We have to produce our own and that comes down to the best talent scouting and recruitment. We have improved remarkably in the last two years with a host of talented youngsters joining us. This needs to continue and also improvements to individual coaching of players. More mediocre NRL players is not the solution.

Madden is a good goalkicker and it would improve his first grade selection chances if he tries to improve his goalkicking to another level.

@Tigerlily We have to produce our own and that comes down to the best talent scouting and recruitment. We have improved remarkably in the last two years with a host of talented youngsters joining us. This needs to continue and also improvements to individual coaching of players. More mediocre NRL players is not the solution.

Madden is a good goalkicker and it would improve his first grade selection chances if he tries to improve his goalkicking to another level.